Discussion

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Discussion

In speaking exams you may be asked to discuss a topic and give your opinion. Watching other students doing this sort of task will help you learn how to do it too. So, watch the video first and then read the tips below to make sure you get top marks in your next speaking exam!

Instructions

Watch the video of two students having a discussion in a speaking exam. Then read the tips below.

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Here are our top tips for discussions.

Do:

Think about your opinion before the discussion starts.

Say what you really think about the topic and explain why you think that.

Worksheets and downloads

Transcript

Transcript:

Social networking can be too dangerous for young people and should only be available to adults.

Examiner: So, now we’re going to have a short discussion. You’ve got one minute to take notes and prepare together for a two-minute discussion. Remember to listen, take turns and explain your opinions.

……

Kelvin: So, shall I start first?

Melissa: Sure.

Kelvin: Yeah, so we need to discuss whether social networking can be dangerous for young people and whether they should be only available to adults. So, do you have any ideas?

Melissa: I disagree with that statement because I think young people can keep contact with old or new friends on their social network and it can develop their good relationships and it can increase their self-esteem.

Kelvin: Yeah, I see your points, but using social networking could be dangerous to young people because many of them don’t know how to keep their personal information safe, so some of my friends even put their mobile phone numbers on their Facebook, so I think criminals may use the information to commit some crime. What do you think?

Melissa: I see your point, but I think it can give the teenagers a chance to notice who is good and who is bad and to try to learn how to protect themselves from these guys.

Kelvin: That’s a good point, but I think social networking could also be a platform for cyberbullying, which means that someone may take some photos of others, and for sure it’s not very good photos, and put it on the internet and let people laugh at them. So I think it could be very dangerous for the young people using social networking sites.

Melissa: You’re right, but I think in the real world people can bully each other as well, so I think that it’s not a big problem. And I think I disagree with that statement because I think young people can make friends on the social network and they can share things in their life to each other which can broaden their vision.

Kelvin: That’s true, yes. Social networking provides many benefits to young people, I see that. But I think young people shouldn’t be banned from using social networking sites but adults need to teach them the correct attitudes in using the social networking. That would be better, I think.

Melissa: Yeah, you’re right, so which means in conclusion we both think social networking can be used and applicable for adults and teenagers.

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We do not have speaking exams to our school. That's too bad. My teachers have always been focused in grammar and reading or writing exams and forget that the base thing is communication. I feel pity for this phenomen.